The Pope County Senior Activity Center will celebrate its 10th anniversary with an open house from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday.

“We want to break the stereotype of old people sitting in rocking chairs,” Sherry Tidwell, senior program director, said. “That’s just not what we are. We are active, hearty and healthy.”

Tidwell said she would like to see a big community turnout for the anniversary. She said there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2:30 p.m. and that refreshments will be served.

Tidwell said the celebration will mark the anniversary of the new building and not the center itself, which has been open in Russellville since 1976.

“We’ve got a gorgeous facility here,” she said. “We’re one of the best-kept secrets in Russellville.”

She said any Pope County resident who is 60 or older can access the center’s services. The center offers transportation, which includes driving people from their homes to the center and back, as well as day trips and social activities.

“We took a group [Wednesday] to Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock,” Tidwell said. “The van is not just for people who can’t drive.”

She said the center provides home-delivered meals to residents over 60 who are homebound, and on site serves a “congregate meal” each day at 11:30 a.m.

The center hosts social opportunities such as bridge, canasta and bingo groups, tai chi and Zumba gold in the new fitness room and dances four times a month.

The center, located at 1010 North Rochester Ave., is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Friday.

Tidwell encourages area seniors to take advantage of the center’s resources and get involved. She hopes to see a big crowd come enjoy some cake, punch and fun at the anniversary celebration.